Punjab Kings would hope to admonish the demons of Friday when they take to the field next in the 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League. KL Rahul’s side play the Delhi Capitals on Sunday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, and will be looking to get back to winning ways. 

Both sides find themselves on two points after two games, with a win and a loss so far, having suffered similar batting collapses in their previous outings. Playing their final game at the Wankhede Stadium before switching base to Chennai, both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals would be eager to cap off this leg of IPL 2021 with a win. 

Aamne Saamne

Punjab Kings have the better head-to-head record over Rishabh Pant’s side, and won the last game played between these two sides as well. This tie has given Punjab fans several memorable moments, from KL Rahul’s 14-ball fifty in 2018 to Sam Curran’s match-winning hat-trick a year later. This time around, both teams have started their campaigns similarly, so one can expect a close contest on Sunday. 

Batting de Baadshah

Shikhar Dhawan started IPL 2021 with a match-winning 85 against Chennai Super Kings, but failed to get a big score in the next game. The southpaw has been a bane for Punjab Kings in the past, getting a century and a fifty in two of the last three games against them. Therefore, Mohammed Shami and co. would have their plans cut out for dismissing Dhawan early on Sunday. 

KL Rahul has been Punjab Kings’ leading run getter for three consecutive seasons, and started IPL 2021 with a mesmerizing 91. The 28-year-old was unfortunate to get run out in the next game against Chennai Super Kings, and would be eager to get another big score under his belt soon to give his team a strong start like usual. 

Bowling de Kings

Avesh Khan picked up the wicket of former Indian captain MS Dhoni in the first game, and has since grown from strength to strength in the competition. The 24-year-old has shown great variety and composure, and has proved to be a genuine wicket taking threat for the Delhi Capitals so far.

Mohammed Shami has shown great consistency for Punjab Kings, picking wickets at regular intervals for the franchise while maintaining an economy rate slightly over six. Shami seems to be enjoying the pace friendly tracks at the Wankhede Stadium, and will be optimistic to finish the Mumbai leg strong with a good performance on Sunday. 

Mudde di Baat

Two top-heavy teams, Punjab and Delhi both would like to put a lot of runs on the board and get their batsmen enough game time in these early stages of the tournament. Secondly, both teams have a strong pace attack who could reap the rewards if there is a grassy surface on offer at the Wankhede, especially in the powerplay overs. 

There is very little to separate the two sides heading into Sunday, and one can expect a close contest as both Punjab and Delhi look to leave the Wankhede Stadium on a high. 

Yaad Rakhiyo

• Punjab have beaten Delhi in three of their last four matches played in India. 
• KL Rahul has two fifties and one century in his last four IPL matches at the Wankhede Stadium
• Mohammed Shami’s best IPL figures of 3/15 came against Delhi Capitals.

Probable XI

KL Rahul (c and wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chirs Gayle, Dawid Malan, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Riley Meredith, Arshdeep Singh

Nicholas Pooran is yet to open his account for IPL 2021, getting ducks in both games so far. Therefore, Punjab Kings could look to give him some off, picking the top-ranked Dawid Malan instead. In the bowling department, Ravi Bishnoi could be given his chance with Murugan Ashwin erring towards the expensive side yet again in his previous game. 

NOTE: The aforementioned line-up is an educated guess at best, and the final decision rests with the captain and the team management depending on various external factors.